Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Olson distinguished himself at the cost of his
life while serving as a team leader with Company A. Sp4c. Olson was participating in a
mission to reinforce a reconnaissance platoon which was heavily engaged with a
well-entrenched Viet Cong force. When his platoon moved into the area of contact and had
overrun the first line of enemy bunkers, Sp4c. Olson and a fellow soldier moved forward of
the platoon to investigate another suspected line of bunkers. As the 2 men advanced they
were pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy position 10 meters to
their front. With complete disregard for his safety, Sp4c. Olson exposed himself and
hurled a hand grenade into the Viet Cong position. Failing to silence the hostile fire, he
again exposed himself to the intense fire in preparation to assault the enemy position. As
he prepared to hurl the grenade, he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device
within his own position. Realizing that it would explode immediately, Sp4c. Olson threw
himself upon the grenade and pulled it in to his body to take the full force of the
explosion. By this unselfish action Sp4c. Olson sacrificed his own life to save the lives
of his fellow comrades-in-arms. His extraordinary heroism inspired his fellow soldiers to
renew their efforts and totally defeat the enemy force. Sp4c. Olson's profound courage and
intrepidity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Citation Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

.

Paid Advertisement
.

Medal
Of Honor Special Sections

History/Statistics
of the MOH

Individual
Citations

Photos
Of Recipients

The Living
Recipients

In
Memory

Each of the
individual citations in this section should be printable as a single, full page similar to
the one at right. If you have any problems getting a finished page like the one
shown, click on it to access our PRINT HELPS page.